Snake bites in dogs and cats.

YASS VALLEY VETERINARY

It's important to know the signs of snake bite to look for in your pet.

Not all snakes are created equal, as such the bite from a brown snake can have different effects on your pet than that from of a black snake.

Brown Snake bites often have a RAPID onset of signs including, but not limited to;
• Vomiting, diarrhoea
• Weakness in the legs – starting at the hindlegs
• Laboured breathing
• Floppy paralysis (particularly cats)
• Sudden collapse


Black Snake bites often have a SLOWER onset of clinical signs;
• Vomiting, diarrhoea
• Weakness, or wobbly when walking
• Laboured breathing
• Blood in urine
• Lethargy, muscle pain, reluctance to move
• Dark red gums
• Swellings or discharge from the bite site


At the clinic we are able to assess your pet, and perform tests to aid in the diagnosis of snake bite. If we suspect snake bite, we inject antivenom into your pet, and support them with intravenous fluids and pain relief. They are often in hospital for several days whilst recovering, and unfortunately despite best efforts, some do not survive.


So remember, if you are suspicious of snake bite, please get in contact with us at Yass Veterinary Hospital immediately - a few minutes can mean the difference between your pet surviving or succumbing to the venom.

By Admin Team February 17, 2026
Sadly, we have had some staff changes recently at Yass Valley Veterinary. After 3 years, Dr Issy Card has taken a small animal position in Canberra. Our recently married Dr Anne Cusack is relocating to Wagga for her husband’s work, and Dr Natalie Flew is also leaving us to work in an emergency afterhours clinic in Canberra with more suitable hours for her new family. We will all miss these three amiable, dedicated and competent veterinarians and wish them well in their future pursuits. Dr Stuart Williams, after almost 33 years at Yass Valley Veterinary (15 years as a partner with Dr Peter Gibbs and 15 years as sole principal), is resigning from his full-time position at the end of February. He is looking forward to having a break away from afterhours on call and managing a large staff across two hospitals. Working as a volunteer veterinarian in Australia and overseas, travelling with his wife Cath and spending some much needed time at home and in the garden, is on the agenda for Stuart in the short term. Dr Tamara Butler, who has been with the business for 17 years, will be promoted to the Lead Vet role when Stuart resigns. Dr Nicole McKenzie will take on the Tamara’s Veterinary Manager role, while Ms Carrie Luckie will retain the Practice Manager role. We are incredibly grateful for the dedication and care that each of our departing veterinarians has given to our clients and patients, and their departures will mean a temporary change to our service availability. Be assured that we are actively and enthusiastically recruiting veterinarians to join our team. We’d like to introduce Dr Josh Tannen, a small animal veterinarian & surgeon, who will be with us until April. This experienced and easy-going locum will be very welcome by the team. However, in the short term, we will be operating with a smaller team, so there may be occasions where we are unable to provide the full range of services that are currently provided. What does this mean for you? • At times, we may need to rotate Saturday clinic closures. • There will be evenings or weekends when we do not have an after-hours veterinarian available. We will always do our best to keep you informed. Any changes to opening hours or services will be communicated via our social media pages and through notifications on the Yass Vet App. As always, if you require after-hours assistance when a veterinarian is not available, please call us on 6226 4444. Your call will be answered by a team of qualified nurses who will triage your situation and direct you to the closest appropriate emergency hospital if needed. We truly appreciate your understanding, patience, and ongoing support during this period of transition. Our commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality care for your animals remains at the heart of everything we do.
Dog playing with a puzzle feeder at home while owner is at work.
By Admin Team January 20, 2026
Back to work after the holidays? Learn simple ways to keep your pet entertained, relaxed, and mentally stimulated while you’re out. Expert tips from Yass Valley Veterinary.
Dog and cat snuggled up sleeping with red crochet heart
By Admin Team January 20, 2026
Why pet heart health matters and the early signs of heart disease in dogs and cats. Learn how routine checks can help protect your pet’s heart.